A dispute has emerged between the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and Chattogram Custom House over the whereabouts of 250 imported cargo containers handled at the port over the past four years, prompting an exchange of official letters between the two government agencies.

Customs officials claim they have been unable to determine the status of the containers despite sending six separate letters to the port authority. According to Customs, the containers were placed on hold due to suspected smuggling, revenue evasion, or other intelligence-based concerns, but their current locations remain unclear.

The disputed shipments include 83 containers from 2021, 61 from 2022, 40 from 2023, and 66 from 2024. Customs said the consignments had been locked pending verification and clearance procedures.

The Chattogram Port Authority, however, rejected the allegation, stating that no containers had gone missing. It said detailed delivery and storage records had already been provided to Customs in accordance with established procedures.

According to the port authority, the disputed consignments comprise 293 full container load (FCL) boxes across 164 shipments and less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo in 83 shipments. Of these, 88 containers were released with Customs out-passes, 70 were transferred to private inland container depots (off-docks), and 131 remain stored in the port yard. The CPA also claimed that Customs had cited incorrect bill of lading numbers for 40 consignments.

CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim said no container or cargo shipment had disappeared and confirmed that a detailed response had been sent to Customs on July 6.

The dispute has raised concerns among port users and business groups, who called for an impartial investigation to ensure that neither smuggling nor administrative errors disrupt legitimate imports.

Chattogram Customs Agents Association President SM Saiful Alam said law enforcement should investigate whether any criminal network was involved, while former BAFFA Vice President Khairul Alam Sujan stressed the need for stronger monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Chattogram Port handles around 3.4 to 3.5 million import and export containers annually. Container movements are subject to multiple layers of security, while Customs can suspend delivery through the ASYCUDA World system if a shipment is suspected of involving smuggling or duty evasion.